NNTT delivers report on WA native title review
On 30 May 2025 the Government
of Western Australia announced a targeted review into native title and heritage
processes within the State’s mining and exploration sector with a focus on
improving outcomes for both Traditional Owners and industry.
With consultation assistance
from the National Native Title Tribunal, the Department of Premier and Cabinet
is to identify options to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and equity of
WA’s Native Title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes, within the
context of mining and exploration. The review will consider the capacity
of stakeholders to participate in consultation processes under current native
title and Aboriginal cultural heritage legislation. It will also examine the
implications of these processes for delivering social, economic and community
benefits and contributing to Western Australia’s commitments under the National
Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Member Glen Kelly and his
Advisor, Stephanie Clark, undertook an extensive consultation process with
representatives from the mining and exploration sector, the native title sector
as well as government and professional bodies over the months of June to
October 2025.
Following the conclusion of
the consultation process, Member Kelly and Stephanie Clark prepared a
consultation report examining the issues raised by consultees and making
recommendations for reform based on those consultations.
This report was delivered to
the Government of Western Australia on 9 February 2026.
